Famed Grey Wolf OR-93 Struck and Killed in Kern County

The incredible journey of a grey wolf known as OR-93 came to a tragic end this month when the animal was struck and killed by a vehicle.

County News has followed the path of OR-93 from his native Oregon all the way to Ventura County in Southern California. He is the first wolf to have been spotted in SoCal since 1922.

California Department of Fish & Wildlife said the wolf was found dead on Nov. 10 along Interstate 5 near Lebec in Kern County. A necropsy revealed the cause of death as trauma from a vehicle.

"I’m devastated to learn of the death of this remarkable wolf,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “His epic travels across California inspired the world. In this annual time of reflection, I thank him for the hope he gave us and for a brief glimpse into what it would be like for wolves to roam wild and free again. I only wish we’d been able to provide him with a safer world. California has to do so much more to preserve wildlife connectivity and protect animals like OR-93 from car strikes.”

Biological diversity advocates have long championed wildlife crossings in the form of overpasses and underpasses to prevent these kinds of events.